As they reached the main path between the dormitory and the training grounds, Rudolf mentioned wanting to take a walk to help digest dinner. Maruzensky, thoroughly drained from the evening's events, chose to head home and rest, while Akikawa-sama decided to check the classrooms for students breaking curfew. Thus, the group parted ways here.
Before they separated, Rudolf quietly asked Kagura to walk with her. Nice Nature, sensing that Rudolf probably had something private to discuss with Kagura, tactfully excused herself and returned to Ritto Dorm first.
"What's the matter, ojou-sama? You specifically asked me to come along. Is something troubling you?"
Slowly strolling beside Rudolf on the darkened track, Kagura noticed it was now past curfew. The lights around the grounds had already been switched off, cloaking the whole area in darkness.
She was genuinely curious why Rudolf wanted her company tonight. It was late, and Rudolf hadn't worked overtime today, so there was no need for Kagura to drag her back to the dorm as usual.
"Well…" Rudolf, walking beside Kagura, hesitated for several seconds, seemingly battling some inner conflict. Only after they'd walked an entire curve of the track did she quietly speak again:
"Could you... give me a hug?"
"Huh?"
Thinking Rudolf had some serious matter to discuss, Kagura instinctively let out a confused noise reminiscent of a Minecraft villager.
"It's just that… I haven't been sleeping well recently… and tomorrow I have something really important to handle, so I want a good night's rest tonight."
The last time Kagura had held her, Rudolf had enjoyed an extraordinarily restful sleep and woke feeling refreshed. Since then, Rudolf had been eager to test whether it had been a coincidence or if Kagura's presence genuinely had such an effect. Either way, there was no harm in trying—assuming Kagura herself didn't mind.
"Um… but what does that have to do with a hug?"
"I don't really understand it myself, but something about your hugs feels incredibly reassuring. They help me sleep well."
This was something Rudolf had been curious about for a long time. She had noticed Kagura possessed an aura that brought profound comfort and tranquility, making it dangerously easy for someone to lose themselves in her gentleness.
Though Kagura wasn't entirely sure what Rudolf meant, she agreed without hesitation.
Given the height difference, Rudolf had to either crouch down or lift Kagura up for a proper hug. After a brief moment of thought, Rudolf opted to simply kneel down herself.
Slowly approaching, Kagura opened her arms and gently wrapped them around Rudolf, holding her close as if comforting a child. Rudolf leaned gently against Kagura's chest, feeling a soft hand gently stroke her head.
"Kagura… you don't mind doing something like this, do you?"
Nestled against Kagura's chest, Rudolf still felt somewhat self-conscious, worried her sudden and bizarre request might upset Kagura.
"It's alright. You always work so hard, ojou-sama. You need to release your stress sometimes. Right now, there's only me here with you… only I can see this vulnerable side of yours. So please, don't worry, just relax."
Saying this, Kagura softly continued stroking Rudolf's hair and quietly hummed a gentle tune.
Enveloped in that comforting warmth and lulled by Kagura's gentle melody, Rudolf felt herself drift into a strange, weightless state. Her awareness briefly faded, as if disconnected from reality. She had no idea how long she remained that way, until Kagura's soft voice eventually called her back to herself.
"Feeling a bit better now, ojou-sama?"
"Thank you… I feel much better now. Sorry for troubling you with such a strange request again."
"It's nothing, really. Your workload is so heavy—it's only natural you need somewhere to let out your stress. I completely understand."
Kagura genuinely didn't mind. She could easily grasp why Rudolf would ask something like this. With such a demanding workload, Rudolf had to have some way of easing the accumulated pressure. If Kagura's hug could provide even a small bit of relief, she would gladly hug Rudolf as many times as needed.
After all, Rudolf had always been fiercely independent. Revealing vulnerability like she just had was almost unimaginable for her under normal circumstances. Only in a moment like this—alone with someone she trusted deeply—could she muster the courage to show this hidden side of herself.
Without realizing… have I actually started trusting Kagura enough to ask for something like this…?
It had only been three weeks since Kagura had become her support Uma, yet Rudolf herself felt amazed she'd become so comfortable making such requests of Kagura.
She found Kagura to be a puzzling child. Kagura seemed to thoroughly understand her, always showing remarkable patience and empathy. Yet Rudolf felt she barely understood Kagura at all. At times, Kagura felt less like a child and more like an elder guiding her from above.
"Speaking of which… preparing for races, handling student council matters… are you always this busy, ojou-sama? Do you ever have time to properly relax?"
"I do have occasional moments to myself. When I'm alone and have free time, I like to practice archery, or play chess by myself… Haha, does that sound strange?"
Rudolf knew her hobbies were rather unusual. Most girls her age were into more modern things, which made her interests seem antiquated.
"It's not weird at all, though? People's hobbies should be diverse—otherwise, they wouldn't be called hobbies~ Besides, what's wrong with archery and chess? Those hobbies sound great for training your focus."
"My goodness… you really are… supportive no matter what I say, aren't you?"
"I'm really not! I genuinely think those are good hobbies. Now, if you asked if you could have another bowl of rice tonight, I'd definitely stop you."
"You little… Hah… You really are full of surprises. Maybe next time we have free time, I could take you to visit Tracen's kyudo club?"
"That'd be great! In that case… I'm really looking forward to it."